Role of Indian Livestock Sector in Rural Women Empowerment

Livestock sector plays a significant role in the socio-economic development of India. Its growth is pro-poor and inclusive. Livestock helps in generating a continuous flow of income and employment. The sector empowers women as they perform a large number of activities related to livestock production. According to the working group report on animal husbandry and dairying 12 th five year plan (2012-17), animal husbandry helps in improving gender equity. More than three-fourth of the labour requirement in livestock production is met by women. The share of women employment in livestock sector is around 90% in Punjab and Haryana where dairying is a major activity. The outstanding demand for livestock products gives considerable opportunities for the rural women to escape poverty by diversifying livestock production. In this backdrop the study aims to highlight the role of Indian livestock sector in empowering rural women. It further estimates the contribution of animal husbandry vis-à-vis other agricultural activities in providing casual, regular and self-employment to rural women. The study uses the data from National Sample Survey Organization. The paper also provides suggestions for structuring the policies that may help in capitalizing the opportunities given by livestock sector for empowering rural women.